Tebbit attacks Portillo over the 'pink pound'

MICHAEL PORTILLO was criticised by publicans and a Tory peer yesterday for praising the way that pubs have begun to cater for the gay community.

In a speech to a conference of publicans on Thursday, the shadow chancellor congratulated the licensed trade for identifying new markets. He said: "The industry has opened its eyes to today's Britain and become more friendly to women and to families. It has not been scared of the gay market and the power of the pink pound."

His reference to homosexuals was greeted with scepticism by some in his party. Lord Tebbit, the former Tory chairman, said: "I don't see it winning many votes for us." Publicans questioned his claim that they were specifically targeting gay customers.

The manager of the Slug and Lettuce in Islington, north London, who attended the Publican Conference, said: "Michael Portillo was saying that the homophobic attitude of pubs in the Eighties is not too prominent now, but I think that's true of society as a whole. Nowadays pubs are more open.

"We don't wake up and think we'll market for the pink pound. I don't think Portillo should have mentioned it. It meant nothing. It was a worthless comment. He said 80 per cent of publicans will vote for the Conservatives at the next election, but I have to say I disagree." Neil Dawson, operations manager of the Pitcher and Piano pub chain, said: "We never aim at any particular group. It's dangerous to start stereotyping."

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However, Bob Cartwright, communications director of Bass Leisure Retail, which owns the All Bar One chain, defended Mr Portillo's remarks. He said: "We were pleased to hear the comments. It is fair to say we have cashed in on the pink pound; 23 of our 3,000 pubs are deliberately aimed at the gay community."

The gay equality group Stonewall described Mr Portillo's analysis as "pretty accurate". Angela Mason, its director, said: "The big brewers are certainly conscious of the gay market but it's part and parcel of the changing urban landscape over the past 15 to 20 years.

"For a pub to flourish nowadays it has to cater to a wider community."